Rep. Velázquez Applauds DOE’s $440 Million Investment in Renewable Energy in Puerto Rico

Washington, D.C.— Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) applauded the Department of Energy’s (DOE) announcement that the agency will release up to $440 million in funding to solar companies and nonprofits to install rooftop solar and battery storage systems for vulnerable households on the island.  
 
“For too long, vulnerable families in Puerto Rico have suffered under the combined weight of some of the highest energy rates in the nation coupled with an extremely unreliable electrical grid,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “This unprecedented investment in renewables in Puerto Rico will help create a cheaper, more renewable, and more resilient energy supply that will benefit the households that need the relief the most, including those with energy-dependent disabilities. It is also my hope that the use of this funding lays solid foundations for future energy investments – embodying the principles of transparency and meaningful public participation and ensuring that Puerto Rico-based businesses and organizations play a major role in our energy transition. I thank President Biden, Secretary Granholm, and everyone who worked to secure this investment in Puerto Rico’s energy future.”
 
The announcement marks the first tranche of funding from the Puerto Rico Energy Resilience Fund, established under the FY2024 government funding omnibus bill. The fund, which was first proposed by Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), will provide over $1 billion to increase energy resilience on the island. The up to $440 million announced today will help lower energy bills for 30,000-40,000 single-family households in Puerto Rico, create good-paying jobs, and increase the durability of Puerto Rico’s energy supply during hurricanes. 
 
The following companies will enter award negotiations and may be awarded a total of $400 million across all three awards to deploy residential solar and battery systems for vulnerable households across Puerto Rico: 

• Generac Power Systems, Inc.
• Sunnova Energy Corporation
• Sunrun, Inc. 

The following nonprofits and cooperatives in Puerto Rico will also enter award negotiations and may be awarded a total of $40 million across all five awards for residential solar installations: 

• Barrio Eléctrico 
• Comunidad Solar Toro Negro, Inc. 
• Environmental Defense Fund 
• Let’s Share the Sun Foundation 
• Solar United Neighbors, Inc.